Kevin continued:  "While the Saturday event was happening a small team of helpers were setting up for the Classic Event. As you may have noticed the two inches of rain that fell over the Friday night/Saturday morning caused the biggest problem. A valiant team of car parkers worked hard to overcome the difficulties of getting in and out of the Assembly field. Apologies to those who had to find parking where they could along the road. Hopefully, this did not distract from a wonderful day of orienteering. Nick Bosbury planned great courses which gave competitors a range of varying terrain to run through with challenging legs that kept the competitor thinking all the time and often caught the unwary out when they least expected it. The short courses from the second start were planned by Simon Bevan who also updated the map for this event. Simon’s intimate knowledge of the area led again to some very good short courses taking advantage of the superb Acres Down part of the map.

Mary Nixon as the organiser of the Classic provided a great arena for spectators and competitors alike and made sure everything ran smoothly on the day. Mary even got the weather spot on. Peter Brett (Devon) the controller was always on hand to guide and support the team in providing a top level A Event.

The winners of the Southern Championship received their trophies on the day from Di Smith (SCOA Chair) and our Special Guest Mike Johnson who was the Organiser of the First November Classic 50 years ago. They were ably assisted but long-term SOC members Ray Massey and Charlie Richardson who were also both there at the first November Classic.

The weekend would not have happened without the many volunteers who helped put on the events.

SOC would like to thank all the helpers who made it happen. Many helped on both days with some giving up their own chance to have a run. One Club putting on two large events like this over a weekend calls for a lot of volunteers and SOC would like to express their special thanks to all the friends and helpers from other clubs who swelled our numbers and made it all happen."